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Edna Ulaeto, a journalist with OrderPaper in the National Assembly, has been released by the Department of State Services (DSS) after her arrest over what was described as wrongful reporting. Ulaeto was taken into custody on October 18, 2024, due to an article alleging that DSS operatives invaded the Nigerian National Assembly as part of a purported plot to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The swift intervention of the International Press Institute (IPI) led to her prompt release later that same day. The Nigerian chapter of the IPI, through a statement signed by its legal adviser and Head of Advocacy, Toby Soniyi, confirmed Ulaeto’s release and expressed appreciation for the DSS’s decision to free her.
In the statement, IPI noted that the DSS raised concerns about the potential national security threats posed by the inaccurate report and the significant local and international embarrassment it caused. The agency sought clarification from Ulaeto regarding the reasons for the inaccurate reporting and the potential sources of false information aimed at destabilizing the country.
While acknowledging the DSS’s concerns, IPI emphasized the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics and accurate reporting. They urged journalists to verify information before publication and to avoid sensationalism, highlighting that truthful reporting is crucial for maintaining societal stability.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between press freedom and national security concerns in Nigeria, as well as the responsibilities of journalists to report accurately.
